Sanja Matsuri

About the festival

Sanja Matsuri is held in Asakusa, Tokyo, every May and is considered one of the city's three great festivals, along with Kanda Matsuri and Sanno Matsuri. It centres on Asakusa Shrine and is known for its high energy, with mikoshi carried through the streets by teams competing to jostle and shake them as forcefully as tradition allows.

Around 100 mikoshi take part over the three days, culminating on the final day when the shrine's three main mikoshi are carried out and paraded through the narrow streets around Senso-ji Temple. The atmosphere is considerably louder and more physical than many other Tokyo festivals, and the crowds packed into Asakusa's streets reflect that.

Because the festival takes place in the streets immediately around Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's most visited temples, the area is already busy under normal circumstances and becomes considerably more crowded during the festival itself. Arriving early on the final day gives the best chance of a clear view of the main mikoshi procession.

The 2027 festival is expected to run from 15 to 17 May, following the festival's traditional annual dates.